We were lucky to catch up with Anthony Ieradi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anthony, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I learned very early in my college career from a production of The Light in the Piazza that “Risk is everything”. Although it is truly difficult to follow through with that most of the time, when you do make those bold exciting choices, life seems to take you on extraordinary journeys. Street Photography being the main one for me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Anthony and I have been in the arts world as far back as I can remember. I grew up a theatre / film lover and eventually went to school for musical theatre in Manhattan. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I performed in many plays and musicals while I was there, but I never really did anything for the screen. So my visual art outlet was Street Photography and Portraiture. Being behind the camera and crafting my own world behind the lens and within the frame was everything to me. Today, I am an Associate Producer at a social media marketing company. So, I’m still behind the camera making things happen. And when I’m not there, I’m either making portraits with wonderful clients, or running around the streets of NY capturing life and documenting very real moments in our world. When photographing, you are always problem solving. Whether it’s having a particular image in your head you want to convey physically, or simply just trying to capture something happening in real time, you are always thinking of what your camera settings should be. Framing and composition are also huge elements I think about non-stop, and on top of it all is my subject in focus. I’m more so talking about street photography as portrait sessions are a little more contained and controlled. I thrive off of the chaotic, problem solving aspect. For Street, you have to be ready for anything.
This may sound strange, but I think I am most proud of the fact that I am dipping my toes in so many roles. The producer, the photographer, the performer, and this list may grow! Believe it or not, I am incredibly introverted. I am and will always will be shy. However, going to school for theatre, putting myself out there, taking photos on the bustling streets and the crazy interactions that follow have taught me everything I know. Risk, for me is truly everything.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability, or the opportunity to strike a particular feeling in someone else. To get any reaction out of someone from your work is a magical feeling. Whether it’s a positive reaction or negative, you changed something in them and made them feel something. And for an example, to do this with imagery shows how powerful the arts are and why they are so important.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I believe everyone should check out EVERYBODY STREET, directed by Cheryl Dunn. It’s a fantastic film and I think the full film is out there for free somewhere. It’s about street photography and explains how versatile it is. It also is incredibly inspiring, not only for photographers, but viewers of art in general. It will open your eyes and help you break down what you feel when looking at a particular piece.
Contact Info:
- Website: anthonyieradi.com
- Instagram: anthonyieradi
- Other: Landscape and travel prints for sale at https://anthonyieradi18.darkroom.com/
Image Credits
all photos taken by Anthony Ieradi